Alan was born in Watford and went to university in Bangor, North Wales, where he studied English and Drama. He started working life in a travelling theatre company, visiting schools all over the country & writing much of their material.

Alan later trained as a drama teacher at Nottingham University , but most of his work in connection with the theatre has been as a writer or director. Other jobs have included working as an editor and working in a day centre. He has written stories and dramas for the BBC.

Mark Beech has been a freelance illustrator for the last ten years, and nowadays works a great deal in the world of children’s publishing.

From picture books for early readers, to education and fiction books for older readers, he has even made a picture book for the ipad, which allows him to animate illustrations.

He also designs greeting cards, and has even been known to work in the world of advertising from time to time.